§ 62. Mr. LEACHasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if it is the intention of the Government to give an advance of wages to the labourers of the ammunition column at Bulford camp, seeing that these men now only receive £1 per week wages, are allowed no holiday, and get no wage when off work through sickness; whether these men are obliged to live from seven to ten miles away from the place where they work because the rent of houses near runs from 7s. to 10s. per week; and whether their case will be taken into immediate and favourable consideration?
Mr. BATHURSTBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question I would like to know whether the camp meant is Bulwell or Bulford, the latter of which is in my Constituency which the hon. Member is now seeking to represent?
Mr. BAKERI understand that my hon. Friend refers to Bulford. I may inform him that the labourers there will shortly receive an increase of wages, when the date for the overriding minimum is fixed. They are entitled to eight public holidays with pay annually. When sick they receive benefit under the National Insurance Act.
Mr. BATHURSTIs it not the fact that the housing difficulty in this district is entirely owing to the negligence of the Government in not providing accommodation for their own employés?
Mr. BAKERIt is quite true that there is some slight difficulty but the hon. Member exaggerates, and the number of these men is comparatively few.